I’ll admit, at first, I didn’t really get the hype, I wasn’t feeling excited at all. Honestly, I just wanted to get my certificate and GO. Yeah like go home and continue my day-day activities, like write on hive, binge-watch series and you know, whatever my hands find to do.
However, somehow, that changed.
Yesterday was my POP, that’s passing out parade from the NYSC (National youth service corps), a one-year program that mobilizes youth with the aim of not only empowering them but also creating a culture and tribe inclusive mentality for the diverse tribes and cultures in Nigeria.
As a Yoruba girl that was born and bred in the West (a Yoruba state), leaving the comfort of my state, my people, was definitely not an easy one. But because, naturally, I’m a curious soul, it was, I wouldn’t say fun, lol, but definitely one for the book.
Anyway, that’s just briefing. The point of this article is to get you into a day in my life, more like, my last day as a corper, how it went and all that.
As I rightly mentioned at the first paragraph, I wasn’t really excited about the whole POP thing, I didn't get the hype. My friend had earlier suggested we go to a studio for a photoshoot and I was like,
“Why would go to a studio, stand in front of a camera in NYSC uniform? That’s so embarrassing”
And truly, I still feel that way. I honestly do not mock people who do it. But for me, one, I think one of the disadvantages of owning an iPhone is that you no longer wish to spend money to take pictures, plus I have pretty good editing skills and if there’s one thing about creatives? It is that it’s often difficult to pay money to get done what you can do yourself. And two, I honestly wouldn’t be comfortable in my uniform in front of the camera so what’s the point then?
Now, a day before the event, I saw people (my set) that were also passing out, posting memes and memory recap on their statuses and honestly, the excitement was contagious. But, it still wasn’t much of a big deal to me.
Even worse, my dad then asked me that evening, (a day before the event), “What should I wear to the ceremony? I’m thinking of wearing my Agbada”
I didn’t even let him finish before shouting “Noooooo”
Lol, then I carefully explained to him without stealing his joy, “Daddy, it’s not a big event. There’s actually no parade. We are just going to be on a queue for hours to get our certificates, take pictures and that’s all. But here’s what? I’ll call you after getting my certificate so you can come take pictures with me. But no agabda!”
Lol
Oh well, the big day arrived. Wore my uniform and got to the venue. Danced with my friends, to the NYSC band members playing. Then my friends and I stood on the wrong queue for close to an hour before we realized and joined the right queue to get our certificates. Called my dad and he took some pictures with us.
I ended up taking no personal pictures because I was either busy taking everyone the perfect shot or too busy taking everyone the perfect shot, yup! And the one picture I did manage the get, turns out I turned the certificate upside down 😂
Even after taking one hour after I got back home to reply messages, I still had tons of messages to reply on my socials. WhatsApp, IG, TikTok, Snapchat, it was HECTIC! The good kind.
Later that evening, I went to my PPA (Place of Primary Attachment) to say a final goodbye to my bosses and show them my certificate, I don’t know why we do that, but apparently, it’s a thing.
Then I got home, reminiscing on what a day it has been. Through this, I got to actually appreciate it all. There’s a lot to be grateful for.
The fact that I was about to serve my country? What an honor! What a meaningful experience! It’s one I possibly wouldn’t have gotten if I’d been ousted into adulthood immediately after graduation so honestly, I’m grateful to the government for this scheme, a lot of youths don’t realize it but the NYSC program is actually extremely helpful, if you don't count the risky long-distance traveling out, lol.
I’m also grateful for my dad. Because he was able to attend with his friend, our picture looked and felt more wholesome. I don’t know how else to explain but see for yourself.
You know, one of my friends posted about missing their late dad so much and would have been happier if he were there with her. Then she mentioned, "luckily, I had a stand-in dad". That really warmed my heart and made me feel even more grateful for mine.
And oh, I got paid with the newly implemented salary system which is like twice the previous salary’s amount, so definitely had a grin on my face the whole day because, common, that is a good farewell gift. Also sad, because that’s my last salary for now.
Thank you for reading and cheers to hope for a new beginning! 🥂🧡